Submitted By
Cara Pavlicek, Village Manager
Reviewed By
LKS
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Resolution Adopting an Updated Diversity Statement
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Overview
Overview
After every local election, it is tradition for the newly elected Village Board to affirm the Village’s Diversity Statement. The Village Board received a recommendation from the Community Relations Commission to make amendments to the Diversity Statement. At the May 20, 2019 Regular Meeting the Village Board voted to table making updates to the Diversity Statement. Trustees Walker-Peddakotla, Boutet, Moroney and Andrews have asked that this issue return to this meeting.
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Body
Staff Recommendation
It is recommended the Village Board approve the inclusion of racial equity as a part the Diversity Statement.
Fiscal Impact
N/A
Background
Oak Park was one of the first municipalities in the country to make diversity a matter of public policy. Following each two-year election cycle since a Diversity Statement was first adopted in 1973, the Village Board demonstrates its support of the high ideals embodied in the statement by reaffirming its content via a formal resolution. With a focus on differences defining much of the current dialogue in the United States and the world, residents are invited to read the words that have helped define Oak Park and consider their broader intent. This past April, as part of the swearing in of newly elected officials, the Village Board has been discussing making amendments to the diversity statement, mainly related to the inclusion of racial equity statements.
The Community Relations Commission met April 17, 2019 and approved a formal recommendation to the Village Board to update the Diversity Statement to be titled the Oak Park Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement (see attached). The Community Relations Commission also proposed a revision to their recommendation at the May 20, 2019 Village Board Regular Meeting (see attached). At the May 20, 2019 Regular Meeting, Trustees Boutet and Andrews also proposed a revised version of the Diversity Statement (see attached) at which time the Village Board voted to review the issue further and table the decision to another date.
Trustees Walker-Peddakotla, Boutet, Moroney and Andrews asked that this item be placed on the October 8, 2019 Regular Meeting agenda.
Alternatives
N/A.
Previous Board Action
On May 1, 2017 the Village Board adopted the Diversity Statement and incorporated immigration status into the document in order reflect amendments to the Human Rights Ordinance which were adopted in February of 2017 as part of the Welcoming Village designation.
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
The Community Relations Commission met April 17, 2019 and recommended revisions to the current Diversity Statement which is attached in a track changes format. In addition, the Community Relations Commission provided a revised recommendation dated May 20, 2019.
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
N/A.
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
N/A.